Ask the Alumni

What did the UMPT experience mean to you?

I didn't realize how important it was to attain a DPT from UM, until I started interviewing for a job.  Many doors were opened automatically once employers learned of my background.  I felt very prepared for the real world, and it was nice to have potential employers’ pursing me and value me as a professional.
Class of 2004 - Erika Depino

The biggest perk aside from the top notch education, was the respect I get from others in the PT community.  I think a lot of us took this for granted, the value of our education, until we got to compare it to our peers.  We were much more prepared and knowledgeable.
Class of 2004 - Drew Jenk

You become part of a large family.  Everyone involved in the UMPT program wants to see you succeed in all aspects of your life.  They make you the best of the best.
Class of 2002 - Elizabeth C. Stephens Datorre

This was definitely the hardest thing I have ever done in my life.  It showed me that I could do anything I want to - with enough hard work and perseverance. 
Class of 2002 - Tamara Gravano

The UMPT experience clearly provided me with a firm foundation of knowledge and was a terrific start for my career.  I would say that much of my success could be attributed to the education I received at UM.  I learned solid clinical foundations, professional responsibility/conscience, and the importance of being involved actively in my profession.  Most importantly I learned how to think on my feet but not to forget to be humble enough to ask questions with dilemmas.  There will always be someone out there that can help.
Class of 1992 - Leza L. Hatch

I loved UM.  When I was there it was small and everyone knew each other.  The campus was great and the surrounding areas are beautiful.  All of our faculties were phenomenal and always positive and ready to help.  I don’t think I could have asked for a better experience at school.  I was very timid when I started the program, but gained a tremendous amount of confidence from my experiences and knowledge gained.
Class of 1984 - Denise Dorans Loupe

It was the second hardest and second most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life.  Besides being a husband and father, going to UM was certainly a highlight in my life.  The faculty was awesome and my classmates were a lot of fun.  I was the 3rd graduating class from UMPT and we had most of our classes on Red Rd. in the old frat house building.  It was quite a challenge to stay focused, but we all managed to do it.
Class of 1984 - Kurt H. Kadel

What would you like to tell prospective students?

If you are serious about your education, you should attend UMPT.  Not only is it a top notch PT program with national job connections, but it is very affordable, and a tight knit family.
Class of 2004 - Drew Jenk

If you want to attend a great school where you will get a great education, meet new people, and form lifelong relationships, UM is for you!  Not to mention the fun… South Beach, Coconut Grove, and Anatomy! (Well maybe not Anatomy)
Class of 2002 - Leann Mulcahey Croft

The best PT program with plenty of added bonuses: sunshine, beach, and great football.
Class of 2002 - Elizabeth C. Stephens Datorre

UM is amazing PT school that prepared me completely for the working world.  I felt that the course work was thorough, the professors both knowledgeable and accessible, and the other students supportive and fun.  The environment to learn was excellent as was the environment to have fun.  What better place is there to spend three years going to class, relaxing in the sun, and taking in the sights and sounds? I loved it and wouldn’t have changed a thing.
Class of 2000 - Katie Spero

Bring dedication, discipline, and an open mind.  You will use everything you are about to learn and more.  My advice, develop your problem solving skills as they relate to physical therapy and life.
Class of 1993 - Susan Rodman

Jump in feet first.  Make this experience one of the best of your life.  There are so many doors to be opened with this profession.
Class of 1984 - Denise Dorans Loupe

My advice is to go into a field that you love.  During my clinical I knew that rehabilitation for persons with spinal cord injury was what I loved to do.  Many people told me that I shouldn’t specialize right away.  So, after graduation I looked for a general rehabilitation job.  As luck would have it, I ended up at Shepherd Center (the largest rehab hospital in the country for persons with spinal cord injury) as a new graduate.  After almost 21 years, I am still working at Shepherd and love my job.  I have had the opportunity to grow professionally.  I believe the reason I have been so satisfied with my job is because I chose a field that I was passionate about.
Class of 1984 - Sarah (Schuster) Morrison